There are a few secluded discotheques on the outskirts of Skopelos Town.
The alternatives to forgetting the fast lane on one’s verandah with ever-changing views, or swimming in crystal clear waters are, however, simple: there are over 360 churches on the island, many of which are Byzantine; the monasteries on the hilltops behind Skopelos Town are inhabited and looked after by a small number of aged nuns who welcome visitors with a gift of sweet ‘loukoumi’.
Sit in the cool shade of a chestnut tree overlooking a valley of green pine, bracken and cypress trees one will often catch sight of turtle dove, partridge and rare birds of prey; different walks each day will take one to forested valleys akin to a Norwegian landscape, hidden springs which feed fruit and nut groves.
Dramatic vantage points such as the shrine to the island’s saint who was said to have slain the dragon who devoured the ancient population of Skopelos and whose spirit rests at the bottom of the impressive Dragon Cliffs (Drakontoschisma), uncharted tracks which lead to the forgotten remains of deserted villages, the colourful assembly of whitewashed houses which surround the fortress on top of Skopelos Old Town and fight for position down the hillside of cobblestoned streets.
To relax in between explorations of the island’s history and geography, the attractive villages of Agnondas, Panormos and Glossa provide peaceful resting points to sample local delicacies of food and drink.
